Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019

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Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2019

Vintage : 2019
Country : Argentina
Region : Mendoza
Subregion
Type : Red
Style Deep Full Bodied
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 14°
Grappes : 100% Malbec

Ripe berry fruits with layers of cinnamon and spice. This is a world class Malbec.

Experts		Score	Vintage
VN	Vinous (Antonio Galloni)	95	2019
RP	Robert Parker	94	2019
JS	James Suckling	94	2019
WS	Wine Spectator	91	2019
WE	Wine Enthusiast	93	2018
W&S	Wines & Spirits	90	2017
JD	Jeb Dunnuck	92	2016
DCT	Decanter	90	2014
JR	Jancis Robinson	17.5	2014

More information on wine critics and ratings

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Reviews
From the same producer

The grape variety used to make this wine is Malbec. It makes big, rich, dark wines. The flavours and aromas are plums, dark chocolate and blackberries with some spice and pepper as well.

Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyards in Mendoza in 1902. Malbec had been a blending grape in Bordeaux, but Nicola suspected it would find its hidden splendor in the Argentine Andes. Fast forward sixty years and Nicola’s grandson Nicolas took the reigns of the family firm. Since the mid-1960s, Nicolas has spent his career building Catena in to one of the world’s best wineries, emulating what his mentor Robert Mondavi achieved in California. Nicolas was a pioneer of… Read more

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 95 Points (2019)

The 2019 Malbec Catena Alta is a blend of grapes from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley ranging in height from 3100 to 4900 feet above sea level and was aged for 18 months in varied use French barrels. The complex aromatic profile features ripe plum and blueberry with jam and hints of lavender, violet, mint and cedar along with a whiff of toast. In the mouth, it’s rich but precise with fine tannins and a juicy packaged freshness that keep things taut and gentle as part of a good, comfortable structure. The vigor and structure counterbalance one another to deliver energy and persistence in a deliciously classical Malbec.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2019)

The 2019 Catena Alta Malbec transported me to the spirit of the 2016, both cool vintages. It's a blend of grapes from different vineyards that were harvested at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Whole berries are hand-loaded into small-format fermentation bins and 225- to 500-liter barrels. It shows precision and is clean, floral and really elegant, a little closed at first. The palate reveals a very fine thread, satin-like tannins and lively acidity with some blood orange hints. This is phenomenal.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2019)

Violets, purple plums, currants, nutmeg, lemon zest, walnuts and star anise on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Vibrant and energetic. Plenty of tension. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 91 Points (2019)

Silky smooth in texture, with a loam and forest floor cast to the black cherry and wild strawberry flavors, adding pepper and floral details around suave tannins.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 93 Points (2018)

This well-crafted red is made with grapes from the winery's estates in Luján de Cuyo, Maipu and Uco Valley. The nose opens with aromas of plums followed by light notes of black olive and Jarilla. A velvety palate shows Malbec-typical black-fruit flavors of plum and blackberry. A herbaceous character and hints of smoke add to its complexity. The lasting, pleasant finish reveals notes of dried herbs. Vibrant acidity and firm tannins suggest good aging potential. Drink now through 2028.Editors' Choice

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 90 Points (2017)

Alta is a blend from old-vine parcels in six of Catena’s estate vineyards, some in Luyán de Cuyo and others from higher altitudes, in the Uco Valley. The 2017 captures the intensity of that fruit in its dark, jammy core, surrounded by brighter, floral flavors of strawberry and hibiscus. It’s hearty but not heavy, a balanced and versatile malbec.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 92 Points (2016)

Made from 100% Malbec from a number of vineyards (Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia and Adrianna) fermented and aged in 70% new barrels, the 2016 Malbec Historic Rows is an incredibly elegant, seamless wine that has an almost Burgundian style in its mulberry, blueberries, incense, forest floor, and spring flower-laced aromas and flavors. Beautiful on the palate as well, with medium to full body, supple tannins, and terrific balance, this is one of those wines that grows on you with time in the glass and shines on all accounts. Drink it any time over the coming decade or more.

Decanter (DCT) : 90 Points (2014)

Deep purple with slightly restrained blueberry, cherry and raspberry aromas. Concentrated, yet elegant with chalky tannins, refreshing acidity and good length.

Jancis Robinson (JR) : 17.5 Points (2014)

Tasted April 2017 - Deep crimson. Quite a bit of sweet oak spice on the nose and a hint of chocolate, also dark-fruited and smoky/savoury, with no unwanted sweetness to the fruit. More savoury and dark-fruited on the palate with terrific freshness. The tannins are already super-smooth but that bite of freshness adds energy and length. Very elegant indeed.

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